Venezuelan Asylum Seeker Faces Challenges in U.S. Detention

A Venezuelan asylum seeker, Tangieth Paola Carrasquero Lopez, 23, reportedly experiences significant challenges while in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody in Georgia. Despite a physician’s warnings, she has not received treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and other conditions.

Medical Concerns Ignored

After a routine immigration check in Atlanta led to her detention on July 27, Carrasquero Lopez complained of abdominal pain. ICE provided her with ibuprofen, but failed to address her underlying health issues. “They give you some pain medicine and see if it helps you, but they don’t call you a doctor,” she told Newsweek.

A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson claimed that during intake, Carrasquero Lopez denied needing urgent medical care. However, they later confirmed her positive test for PCOS and placed her on a chronic care list.

Medical documents show Carrasquero Lopez suffers from hepatic steatosis, obesity, and PCOS. Dr. Arnaldo Jimenez, a Georgia gastroenterologist, recommended continuous treatment with Tirzepatide before her detention. Although these conditions aren’t life-threatening immediately, Jimenez emphasized the need for ongoing care to manage her health effectively.

“I respectfully request that her medical needs be taken into consideration,” Dr. Jimenez wrote, urging access to her prescribed medications.

Legal and Detention Background

Carrasquero Lopez was charged with driving without a license on June 14, 2023, in Gwinnett County, Georgia. Her documented criminal history is limited to traffic offenses from this incident. DHS reports indicate she pleaded guilty to not having her license during the incident and driving without required headlights.

ICE guarantees medical, dental, and mental-health screenings within 12 hours of detainee arrival, followed by full health assessments within 14 days. Access to medical appointments and emergency care is also promised. However, Carrasquero Lopez remains at Irwin County Detention Center, a facility previously scrutinized for its medical practices involving immigrants.

Health and Dietary Concerns

Carrasquero Lopez expressed anxiety about her health in detention. “I worry a lot because the food they give you is pure carbohydrate,” she stated, concerned about its impact on her condition. “The doctor told me that I couldn’t handle that.” She continues to suffer abdominal and unexplained pain, along with numbness, which adds to her discomfort.

Her partner, Andres, withheld his last name for safety reasons, and shared concerns regarding her inability to continue necessary medical treatments. Her story joins broader criticisms against the U.S. immigration system. Critics have noted the strain on healthcare services due to rising detainee numbers.

Asylum and Future Prospects

Carrasquero Lopez entered the U.S. in 2021, seeking asylum. Records show she was granted Temporary Protected Status in 2024 and allowed to work through 2030. Her asylum application is still pending.

Despite complying with all required immigration appointments, Andres questioned the justification for her detention, especially with no deportation order. “She went to every immigration appointment,” he emphasized. Carrasquero Lopez had secured a job offer before her detention and planned to start English classes in August. Andres stated that her detention disrupted these plans, significantly affecting her emotional well-being.

DHS confirmed that Carrasquero Lopez would stay in ICE custody pending removal proceedings but promised “full due process.”